Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 04, 2018, 06:00:41 PM
-majority of my hunting is deer. But I still do rifle elk hunt also. This year is three deer hunts to one elk hunt. I have a 300wsm and a 30-06 that I can use for elk.
-originally I was thinking of the 260 rem or 6.5 CM build. I Know this would make it a mainly deer rifle. Which is fine, but I love how my 180grain accubonds out of my 300 have destroyed every deer I’ve shot. I’ve read up a lot on this .264 and it sounds like there’s plenty of people killing deer with this round.
-one thought I have along with this smaller round, which can equal a smaller barrel, I’d like to possibly to a suppressor down the road. These other bigger calibers need longer barrels which would make adding a 7-9 inch superessor a real long gun.
-I don’t reload, yet. By next year I will be diving in to that. Likely I’d be starting with a factory round and then move in to hand loads. Either way, I’d like something that has readily available rounds.
-the thought of having a do it all caliber still appeals though too. But again, bigger gun. More recoil. But I’m spending the cash on it, it would be nice to use it for everything.
I shot a buddy’s custom 260 rem the other day and was killing steel at 600. Never attempted to tried that before, and now I’m hooked.
I’ve been researching like crazy and I know theres a million configurations. Looking for some thoughts from the HuntWa crew, thanks!
Post by: h20hunter on June 04, 2018, 06:07:06 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 04, 2018, 06:13:10 PM
Post by: ellensburgpo on June 04, 2018, 06:16:51 PM
Brace yourself! So many options. You handload? I went 7mm rem mag. Not exotic but gets er done. You csn look up my "with all this custom rifle talk " to check it out. 100% happy.
I ended up going 7RM when I had the same decision to make. More then enough gun for anything I ever plan on hunting on this continent and most of the stuff on the other. Boring choice maybe, but for me it was the right choice and one I'm still happy with.
Post by: jasnt on June 04, 2018, 06:25:39 PM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 04, 2018, 07:08:17 PM
A lot of the information on the web says for the 7rem mag to at least be in the 23-24 inch barrel length.
I’d like to maybe run a suppressor someday on this rifle. (I’d like to save some hearing).
What’s the thoughts on a 22 inch barrel on a 7mag? One of my big reasons for wanting a smaller caliber was to be able to go with the shorter barrel. But if I can still achieve 3100 with a 22” barrel that’d b great.
Post by: superdown on June 04, 2018, 07:25:42 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 04, 2018, 07:26:41 PM
Take a gander at the 6.5 prc also. Hornady is pushing it do factory ammo will be around.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 04, 2018, 07:27:08 PM
What about the 6.5 PRC? Seems like it would fit your application.Great minds think alike?
Post by: Timberstalker on June 04, 2018, 07:42:12 PM
Or
26 Nosler
Have fun.
Post by: jrebel on June 04, 2018, 07:58:05 PM
My vote would be .270 and 6.5 creed as they are two of my favorite chamberings.
Post by: h20hunter on June 04, 2018, 08:05:08 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 04, 2018, 08:21:52 PM
Post by: yorketransport on June 04, 2018, 08:25:20 PM
As much as we joke about 6.5 it is a great round.:peep: I don’t think I’d say that in a public place! :peep:
I think either the 260 or 6.5 CM would be good options just to fill the “void” in your collection. The 6.5 CM has great selection of factory ammo so that’s probably the best choice between the two.
Post by: aaronoto on June 04, 2018, 08:31:44 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 04, 2018, 09:37:02 PM
6.5x284 I built on the bottom............
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 04, 2018, 10:00:05 PM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 04, 2018, 10:14:20 PM
Just when I begin leaning towards the 7mag, I start wanting a 6.5 again.
Some of these rounds definitlaly have the “cool” factor. But using factory to begin with and being new to reloading, I think I want the most readily available options out there.
One factor is the barrel availablity in the carbon fiber one I want. A 284 is in stock with the 264 is not and may not be for a while. Could be the difference of having the rifle this season or waiting until next.
Post by: h20hunter on June 04, 2018, 10:22:24 PM
My 7rm with 180s hits a ton harder. The 7 has lots of factory options and who knows how many possible handloads to be tinkered with.
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 04, 2018, 10:26:36 PM
Bro in law shoots a nice 6.5 with half inch moa with handloads
My 7rm with 180s hits a ton harder. The 7 has lots of factory options and who knows how many possible handloads to be tinkered with.
I think overall I may be happiest with this round, 7. My 300wsm with 180 accubonds has put down a lot, and that’s what I’m used to. It’s nice having that extra bullet over the lighter/smaller. I’m talking with the smith tomorrow. And will probably finalize the caliber.
Thanks to all for your input.
Post by: h20hunter on June 04, 2018, 10:27:51 PM
Post by: mountainman on June 04, 2018, 10:33:37 PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 04, 2018, 10:57:55 PM
Post by: Duckslayer89 on June 04, 2018, 11:26:09 PM
Post by: b23 on June 04, 2018, 11:46:03 PM
Not only is the list of 30 cal bullets very extensive in a wide range of bullet weights but your 300 WSM in a 22in barrel length is going to outperform a 7mm Rem mag in a 22in barrel length.
If you are wanting a one gun do all, and, you want to keep the barrel a little on the short-ish side, I think you've already got what you are looking in your 300 WSM.
Post by: jay.sharkbait on June 05, 2018, 04:26:28 AM
Post by: birddogdad on June 05, 2018, 06:22:34 AM
Post by: syoungs on June 05, 2018, 08:02:00 AM
starting to look into a 28 Nosler here... have a 7mag.. shoots very well..I'm looking into the 28 nosler,and 30 nosler. I'm ordering my barrel in 3 weeks, if I can find brass for them by then I'm gonna go with one of them
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 05, 2018, 08:04:29 AM
This rifle build is kind of my last excuse to buy something “big” before the wife and I squirt out a kid in the coming nearish future. And who can have too many rifles anyway?! :chuckle: The idea of a custom gun built exactly to fit me how I like it is really intriguing to me too. By the time I put money in to my Tikka to get it exactly what I want, I may as well splurge and do a whole new one.
Still leaning towards the 7 mag at this point.
@h20hunter sent you a PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 05, 2018, 08:14:17 AM
Rebarrell the 300 WSM to 7WSM
Once I find a good deal on a donor 300, that's what my next one will be. ;)
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on June 05, 2018, 08:21:49 AM
Last year 511 and 657 with my handloaded 195 Bergers.
Shooting gets addicting. Reloading isn’t about saving money, it’s about prioritizing accuracy. Keep that in mind as you go forward. 😂
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180605/6a20e32c7170c315b0b9a2d7a8cdc95f.heic)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180605/2e278eccb5ab9d155026bf008efac25c.heic)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: kselkhunter on June 05, 2018, 08:36:32 AM
Determine what weight class of bullets you want to shoot, and what length barrel you want....then that'll help decide on caliber.
If you do step up to the magnums, I agree with both B23 and Sharkbait - 300WSM or 7WSM for a shorter barrelled lightweight mountain rifle in the 22" length. I love my 7mmRM and the Nosler calibers are great, but those perform better with longer barrel lengths in the 26"+ length.....which kind of gets you out of what you stated was your intended goal for the build.....assuming that is what you meant by "lightweight mountain rifle".
Post by: blackpowderhunter on June 05, 2018, 12:21:50 PM
you already have a 300 wsm, no need for a 7rm (in my terrible opinion at least)
28 nosler is cool, but go look for brass. :sry: :yike:
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 05, 2018, 12:51:23 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 05, 2018, 02:15:32 PM
Post by: yorketransport on June 05, 2018, 05:30:42 PM
257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 05, 2018, 05:55:16 PM
257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
How much ? That's what I have.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 05, 2018, 05:59:50 PM
Question to the OP and the rest, what is it ?
Post by: yorketransport on June 05, 2018, 07:00:36 PM
257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
$499 for the blued and I think it was under $700 for the SS fluted barrel in a gray spiderweb stock.
How much ? That's what I have.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 05, 2018, 07:23:30 PM
257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
$499 for the blued and I think it was under $700 for the SS fluted barrel in a gray spiderweb stock.
How much ? That's what I have.
The stainless/fluted one sounds nice..
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 05, 2018, 08:04:04 PM
To me, like the OP stated, Custom Rifle Caliber. A 270, 7mm, 300wsm, 300wm etc, are not custom rifle calibers from the way I think.
Question to the OP and the rest, what is it ?
I guess I was mostly referring to the “custom” part as being the rifle itself. Not necessarily the caliber. I wanted something built that fit me and the way I hunt. I also began thinking of this build as if I didn’t have any of my other rifles. Spending this amount of coin, I’d like to have a do it all rifle, for the time being. I also wanted something with readily available ammunition. Initially factory and then I will be cutting my teeth with learning to handload with this setup.
With that, I decided after this thread, consults with buddies, more research, and a call to the smith, to go with the 7 rem mag. My desire for a suppressor May come in the future. We’ll see.
So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Thank u all for your help and input! I’ll keep updated on here!
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 05, 2018, 08:12:29 PM
Post by: Crunchy on June 05, 2018, 08:16:19 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 05, 2018, 08:26:21 PM
I love my razor ti action that my 300 has.
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 05, 2018, 08:31:41 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 05, 2018, 08:56:21 PM
Trigger
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 05, 2018, 08:56:53 PM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 05, 2018, 09:04:03 PM
It’s amazing how many options and upgrades there are. The possibilities are endless. I guess as far as my wallet will open anyway... I’m having fun with it tho. Looking forward to the final product!
Post by: h20hunter on June 05, 2018, 09:30:38 PM
Listen to the smith, make the choices and stick with them. Your trigger finger will make the most difference. That's of course from my VAST :chuckle: experience. :tup:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 05, 2018, 09:33:18 PM
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2018/01/30/shot-show-2018-triggertech-diamond-trigger/ (http://precisionrifleblog.com/2018/01/30/shot-show-2018-triggertech-diamond-trigger/)another vote for the trigger tech
Trigger
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 05, 2018, 11:07:57 PM
To me, like the OP stated, Custom Rifle Caliber. A 270, 7mm, 300wsm, 300wm etc, are not custom rifle calibers from the way I think.
Question to the OP and the rest, what is it ?
I guess I was mostly referring to the “custom” part as being the rifle itself. Not necessarily the caliber. I wanted something built that fit me and the way I hunt. I also began thinking of this build as if I didn’t have any of my other rifles. Spending this amount of coin, I’d like to have a do it all rifle, for the time being. I also wanted something with readily available ammunition. Initially factory and then I will be cutting my teeth with learning to handload with this setup.
With that, I decided after this thread, consults with buddies, more research, and a call to the smith, to go with the 7 rem mag. My desire for a suppressor May come in the future. We’ll see.
So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Thank u all for your help and input! I’ll keep updated on here!
Gotcha..... :tup:
Post by: Reidus on June 05, 2018, 11:47:36 PM
Post by: Reidus on June 05, 2018, 11:49:44 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 06, 2018, 06:26:31 AM
If i was going carbon barrel I'd get a HCA or Proof long before a helix 6. Really similar in price for all 3.
Hca and Helix both say they use Brad Loomis so not sure difference but helix barrel photos look way different from my hca barrel i like alot.
Post by: b23 on June 06, 2018, 08:07:32 AM
So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Remember, other than they look pretty cool, there is no advantage to a carbon fiber barrel versus an all steel barrel.
Post by: Reidus on June 06, 2018, 08:41:04 AM
If i was going carbon barrel I'd get a HCA or Proof long before a helix 6. Really similar in price for all 3.
Hca and Helix both say they use Brad Loomis so not sure difference but helix barrel photos look way different from my hca barrel i like alot.
Interesting. The helix barrel build I seen shoot was not that impressive.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 06, 2018, 09:51:20 AM
Post by: h20hunter on June 06, 2018, 09:53:53 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on June 06, 2018, 11:13:51 AM
So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Remember, other than they look pretty cool, there is no advantage to a carbon fiber barrel versus an all steel barrel.
The Original Poster stated he wanted a lightweight mountain rifle.
Carbon Barres are significantly lighter then standard steel barrels...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: b23 on June 06, 2018, 11:30:33 AM
So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Remember, other than they look pretty cool, there is no advantage to a carbon fiber barrel versus an all steel barrel.
The Original Poster stated he wanted a lightweight mountain rifle.
Carbon Barres are significantly lighter then standard steel barrels...
Yes, but only when compared to a same diameter all steel barrels.
If the OP wants a CF sleeved barrel, it's his money and he should get whatever he chooses but there is A LOT of misconception and BS with regard to CF barrels so before I paid a premium for anything, I suggest doing extensive research.
So we are clear, I'm a fan of CF barrels, but only because I think they look cool, not because they offer any advantage over a all steel barrel.
Post by: coachcw on June 06, 2018, 07:26:37 PM
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 06, 2018, 07:45:00 PM
Just a,side note....lets not take the fun and excitement out of the OP's thread. We can talk about the pros and cons in another thread but I won't and would ask others not to assume you know what is best or important to the OP in his build.
BINGO!!!
Post by: JJB11B on June 06, 2018, 07:47:44 PM
and remember, whatever caliber you picked, it SUCKS! just kidding. I want to get a custom big magnum someday.Just a,side note....lets not take the fun and excitement out of the OP's thread. We can talk about the pros and cons in another thread but I won't and would ask others not to assume you know what is best or important to the OP in his build.
BINGO!!!
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 06, 2018, 07:51:03 PM
Honestly the 28nosler really appealed. As did a lot of the other “cooler” “hotter” newer bad A rounds. I feel most comfortable with the 7 mag round or start off my handloading. It’s sometbing I’ve wanted to get in to for a while. And over the next year or so, I’ll be obtaining my bench full of items to do it.
Looking forward to my first custom rifle and getting an animal in the cross hairs.
Coach, those are some beautys you’ve got there. The second one is the style stock i’m Getting. Plus the adjustable cheek rest
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on June 06, 2018, 07:52:21 PM
and remember, whatever caliber you picked, it SUCKS! just kidding. I want to get a custom big magnum someday.Just a,side note....lets not take the fun and excitement out of the OP's thread. We can talk about the pros and cons in another thread but I won't and would ask others not to assume you know what is best or important to the OP in his build.
BINGO!!!
Haha, I love biggerhammer’s avatar just because Of that!
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 06, 2018, 08:13:21 PM
What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
Post by: coachcw on June 06, 2018, 08:45:19 PM
if you anneal the brass lol. Your pig dic shoots pretty good but it's no 6.5 heheWhat ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 06, 2018, 08:47:36 PM
zero possibility he loads for you. He's got enough on his plate :chuckle:What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
Post by: JJB11B on June 06, 2018, 09:17:11 PM
Hey Karl, since the guy that loads for him is too busy will you load for me?zero possibility he loads for you. He's got enough on his plate :chuckle:What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
Post by: Duckslayer89 on June 06, 2018, 10:02:20 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 06, 2018, 10:04:10 PM
I'm retired :chuckle:Hey Karl, since the guy that loads for him is too busy will you load for me?zero possibility he loads for you. He's got enough on his plate :chuckle:What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
Post by: kselkhunter on June 06, 2018, 10:04:45 PM
Have any of you guys used copper creek cartridge for custom load work? I’m planning on sending my 7mag in to him as I opted out of hand loading. Cheaper for me to work the extra day and pay him then it is to range day and tweak stuff. Not thread jacking as he’s looking at starting loading 7mag toBefore paying somebody to load for you, give the Nosler 168 ABLR factory loads a try. My 7mmRM love them, and I even had a custom turret made for my Swarovski scope for that factory load. The consistency across lots and boxes was very good.
Post by: Duckslayer89 on June 06, 2018, 10:06:29 PM
Have any of you guys used copper creek cartridge for custom load work? I’m planning on sending my 7mag in to him as I opted out of hand loading. Cheaper for me to work the extra day and pay him then it is to range day and tweak stuff. Not thread jacking as he’s looking at starting loading 7mag toBefore paying somebody to load for you, give the Nosler 168 ABLR factory loads a try. My 7mmRM love them, and I even had a custom turret made for my Swarovski scope for that factory load. The consistency across lots and boxes was very good.
I have the precision hunter ammo in 162 ELDX ima check! But I need another box to finish break in maybe I’ll pick those up
Post by: rbros on June 07, 2018, 12:17:34 PM
The Lone Peak looks great I’ll add it to the list. . Bighorn was also on the list and Kelbly due to the fact their availability. Looking in to availability now of all these.
I have a carbon barreled Lone Peak 300 WM in the shop a customer wants to sell. He was going to do a build on it, but has decided to sell it instead. Its just the barreled action only with a Lone Peak Razor Ti and Proof carbon barrel.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 07, 2018, 12:21:27 PM
The Lone Peak looks great I’ll add it to the list. . Bighorn was also on the list and Kelbly due to the fact their availability. Looking in to availability now of all these.
I have a carbon barreled Lone Peak 300 WM in the shop a customer wants to sell. He was going to do a build on it, but has decided to sell it instead. Its just the barreled action only with a Lone Peak Razor Ti and Proof carbon barrel.
That would be my choice